The Bosnia & Herzegovina Tourism Film Festival (BHTFF): A Celebration of Travel, Culture, and Cinema

The Bosnia & Herzegovina Tourism Film Festival (BHTFF) culminates in an unforgettable awards ceremony, held traditionally on September 27th, aligning with World Tourism Day. This date not only celebrates the significance of tourism globally but also places BHTFF in the spotlight as it honors exceptional films and audiovisual productions that bring tourism to life through the power of storytelling.

World Tourism Day is dedicated to raising awareness about tourism's role in global economies and cultures. For BHTFF, it's an opportunity to shine a light on the films that capture the essence of tourism in its many forms—from exotic destinations to adventure and cultural tourism, sports, and much more.

As the awards ceremony unfolds, filmmakers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the synergy between tourism and cinema. It's a moment to honor creativity while recognizing tourism's power to foster cultural exchange, promote economic growth, and deepen global understanding.

A Global Stage for Filmmakers and Tourism Professionals

BHTFF serves as a convergence point for professionals across multiple sectors, united by the shared goal of promoting tourism through film. The festival brings together leading figures from tourism, marketing, advertising, broadcasting, and audiovisual production—offering a unique networking platform for filmmakers, agencies, and industry experts.

With a carefully curated program, BHTFF provides an engaging experience for professionals worldwide. Attendees can participate in enlightening talks, interactive workshops, and business events designed to keep them informed about industry trends and foster knowledge-sharing among like-minded individuals.

Films that Inspire and Educate

What sets BHTFF apart is its unwavering commitment to recognizing films and audiovisual productions that excel in tourism promotion. The festival showcases a wide range of film genres, from those highlighting beautiful tourist destinations to those exploring extreme sports, rural retreats, cultural heritage, and even event-based tourism like fairs and congresses.

BHTFF offers a rare opportunity for filmmakers to connect directly with their audience, allowing for intimate Q&A sessions, in-depth discussions, and valuable feedback from both peers and tourism professionals. This interaction between creators and viewers is a key part of the festival experience and fosters a vibrant community within the tourism and filmmaking industries.

Unforgettable Events and Stunning Backdrops

Beyond the screenings and industry talks, BHTFF boasts a series of special events that elevate the experience. Guests can enjoy glamorous red carpet premieres, opulent gala celebrations, intimate filmmaker receptions, and inspiring seminars. These events blend entertainment, education, and networking—creating an atmosphere where connections are made, and ideas are shared.

Set against the idyllic ocean-side backdrop, the festival offers a serene yet dynamic environment for meaningful engagement. This picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop for both professional development and personal enjoyment, ensuring that BHTFF remains an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

A Festival with Purpose

At its core, the Bosnia & Herzegovina Tourism Film Festival is a celebration of the profound impact that film can have in promoting tourism worldwide. Whether it's through breathtaking visuals, compelling stories, or showcasing diverse cultures and traditions, BHTFF continues to be a vital fixture in the calendar for those passionate about the intersection of tourism and film.

Awards & Prizes

The Bosnia & Herzegovina Tourism Film Festival (BHTFF) proudly offers an impressive array of awards and prizes to honor excellence in tourism promotion through film and audiovisual productions. These awards not only recognize the creativity and skill of filmmakers but also emphasize the crucial role cinema plays in showcasing the diversity and beauty of tourism around the world. Below is a breakdown of the prestigious categories:

Award Categories

Best Tourism Destination Film
This award recognizes the film that most effectively captures the spirit, allure, and charm of a tourist destination—whether it's a city, region, or country. It's all about showcasing the unique qualities that make a place worth visiting.

Best Adventure Tourism Film
For films that capture the adrenaline-pumping excitement of adventure tourism. This category celebrates films featuring activities such as mountain climbing, water sports, extreme outdoor pursuits, and other high-octane adventures.

Best Sports Tourism Film
This award honors films that promote sports tourism, from skiing and hiking to biking and other active sports. It’s about showing the connection between tourism and sports, whether in extreme environments or iconic sporting events.

Best Nautical Tourism Film
Celebrating films that highlight the elegance and excitement of nautical tourism—sailing, yachting, cruising, and exploring coastal destinations. This award recognizes the visual beauty and unique appeal of maritime travel.

Best Hotel and Resort Film
Films in this category showcase the luxury, comfort, and charm of hotels and resorts. Whether it's the grandeur of a five-star resort or the serene ambiance of a boutique hotel, this award honors those who effectively capture the allure of these tourism havens.

Best People, Culture, and Tradition Film
This category celebrates films that explore the rich tapestry of global cultures, traditions, and local lifestyles. It’s a tribute to the people who make each destination unique and to the stories that bring their world to life.

Best Religious Tourism Film
Films that highlight religious pilgrimage sites, sacred rituals, and spiritual experiences. This award honors films that promote the deep connection between travel and faith, showcasing the beauty of religious destinations and the spiritual journeys they offer.

Best Rural Tourism Film
Focusing on the charm and authenticity of rural tourism, this award recognizes films that highlight countryside destinations, showcasing rural lifestyles and the intimate, serene experiences that rural areas provide.

Best Event, Fair, and Congress Film
This category acknowledges films that capture the significance, excitement, and impact of events, fairs, and congresses that draw people together for tourism. It celebrates the vibrancy of cultural festivals, international conferences, and local gatherings that bring tourism to life.

Creative Excellence Awards

Best Cinematography
This award honors outstanding cinematography in tourism-related films. It's about recognizing the visual artistry and technical skill that elevate the film's storytelling and immerse the audience in the beauty of the destinations.

Best Director
Awarded to the filmmaker who demonstrates exceptional vision, skill, and storytelling ability in a tourism-related film. This award celebrates the director's role in bringing their creative vision to life.

Best Screenplay
The Best Screenplay award goes to the film with the most exceptional writing. It recognizes the ability to tell compelling, engaging stories that promote tourism while maintaining a high standard of storytelling craft.

Best Editing
Awarded to the film with the most polished and impactful editing. This award highlights the role of post-production in enhancing the narrative and visual appeal, creating a seamless experience that amplifies the story.

Audience and Jury Recognition

Audience Choice Award
This popular award is determined by festival attendees' votes. It celebrates the film that resonates most with the audience, showcasing a film’s universal appeal and emotional connection with viewers.

Special Jury Award
Awarded to films that stand out for their unique contributions or innovative approaches to tourism promotion. This award highlights creativity and originality in the portrayal of tourism through film, recognizing films that may not fit into the traditional categories but push the boundaries of storytelling.

These awards not only recognize artistic achievement but also emphasize the vital role that film plays in promoting tourism across the globe. The BHTFF continues to be a platform that celebrates the creative voices contributing to the growth and sustainability of global tourism through cinematic storytelling.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms for Submission

1. Eligibility Criteria

Focus on Tourism: Films must promote tourism in some form, whether through showcasing destinations, adventure tourism, cultural experiences, sports, or any other tourism-related topic.

Film Length: Films of all lengths, from short films to feature-length productions, are eligible, as specified in the festival's guidelines.

2. Submission Requirements

Adherence to Deadlines: Filmmakers must submit their films by the specified deadline, announced ahead of time on the festival’s website.

Submission Platform: Films should be submitted through the festival’s official platform, following the submission format outlined in the festival guidelines.

3. Rights and Permissions

Ownership and Licenses: Filmmakers must possess all necessary rights and permissions for any copyrighted material used in their films, including music, images, and other content.

Screening Rights: By submitting their films, filmmakers grant BHTFF the right to screen their films at the festival and use excerpts for promotional purposes.

4. Selection Process

Judging Panel: Films will be reviewed and selected by a panel of qualified judges or a selection committee appointed by the festival organizers.

Additional Materials: Filmmakers may need to provide additional materials like a film synopsis, director's statement, or promotional content to support the selection process.

5. Screening and Exhibition

Screening Schedule: If selected, films will be scheduled for screening during the festival. The timing and format will be determined by the festival organizers.

Q&A Sessions: Filmmakers may be invited to participate in Q&A sessions or panel discussions related to their films.

6. Awards and Prizes

Eligibility for Awards: Films in competition are eligible for a range of awards and prizes (e.g., Best Tourism Destination Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, etc.), as outlined in the festival’s official rules.

7. Publicity and Promotion

Promotion: Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their films and the festival through their own marketing and social media channels.

BHTFF’s Promotional Use: BHTFF may use excerpts from submitted films and related promotional materials for festival marketing and publicity purposes.

8. Fees

Submission Fee: A submission fee may apply. The fee structure and deadlines will be specified on the festival's website.

9. Attendance

Encouraged Participation: Filmmakers and participants are encouraged to attend the festival, particularly if their films are selected for screening. Special events, networking opportunities, and professional engagements are key aspects of the festival experience.

10. Changes and Disqualification

Festival Rights: The festival organizers reserve the right to amend the rules and terms as necessary.

Disqualification: Filmmakers who violate the festival's rules and terms may be disqualified from participation.

Exclusive Distribution Rights

NGO Invictum Rights: NGO Invictum holds exclusive rights for the distribution and broadcasting of submitted films within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Important Note:

Filmmakers are advised to review the festival’s official guidelines for the specific year they plan to submit their films. These documents will contain the most current information regarding submission deadlines, fees, and any other festival-specific details.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Rod Sáez Chávez

    Thank you very much

    we loved the experience

    December 2020
    Helpful
  • Hiroki Ito

    I am honoured to be showing my film to this fantastic film festival officially and was awarded for the adventure film category.
    I have been treated nicely for much careful communication as well as support even I have been applied this occasion from far Asia.
    Due to far from my area I couldn't attend the ceremony but I especially thank for the great work by the organiser!
    Though Bosnia is far away from Japan where I am based currently, I can feel it is closer than before through the opportunity.

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Miki Dragicevic

    I recommend this festival to everyone. The communication with the organisators is great, I especially want to talk about the final night that was organised on a great level.

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Matthias Mayr

    A great festival with an organizer, exceptional helpful and friendly!
    A beautiful city with warm and welcoming people!

    October 2019
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Matthias, once again thank you great film and also congratulations on Award winner of "Grand Prix" of BH TourFilm Festival 2019. It was exceptional personal pleasure to meet you in Sarajevo. All the best in your future adventures and looking forward to seeing your new films. Best regards from Sarajevo, Željko Ivanković.

  • Tevfik Hoş

    BH international tour film festival in the lovely city of Sarajevo is extremely well organized, we have enjoyed great pleasure in attending the festival at Hills Resort Complex. The convention centre, gala and award organisations all were wonderful. it was plesant meeting point of the best films, filmmakers and tourism agencies.

    So many great films around the world involved in the competition. BH film festival is deserved to be one the best in its category in the Eastern Europe. Thanks to the festival Directors Mr. Zeljko and Amela Radan for their organisation and great hospitality in Sarajevo.

    Wishing all the best,

    Tevfik Hoş

    October 2019
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Tevfik, that you very much for great film and also for coming to BH TourFilm Festival. I had personal pleasure to meet you and your happy family. Looking forward to meeting you again next year at BH TourFilm Festival 2020. Best regards from Sarajevo.